Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca

It’s so interesting to me how pineapple and ginger become light and delicate without losing their flare when diluted with plenty of ice and water. This is a gorgeous drink and perhaps my favorite. These drinks are made in two parts: simple syrup and then blended fruit.

Ginger Simple Syrup
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
3 pieces of fresh ginger cut into coins

Bring water and sugar to a boil and then add the pieces of ginger. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and discard the ginger.

For the Drink:
4 cups fresh pineapple with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water

Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Cucumber Lemongrass Agua Fresca

Ah, my heart be still! This is a beautiful flavor and elegance in a glass. I love the color and freshness of these flavors together. Again, you’ll be doing this in two parts: a lemongrass simple syrup and pureed cucumbers.

Lemongrass Simple Syrup
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
4 pieces of lemongrass, smashed and chopped

I use a wooden rolling pin to beat and smash the lemongrass. Bring the water and sugar to a boil and then add the pieces of lemongrass. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and discard the lemongrass.

For the Drink:
4 cups of chopped english cucumbers (skin on) with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water
1/4–1/2 cup fresh lime, to taste
pinch of salt

Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Strawberry Thyme Agua Fresca

I love strawberry anything and the thyme gives it an herby note that adds character. It’s delicious.

Thyme Simple Syrup
1/2 cup loosely packed thyme sprigs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 water

Bring the water and sugar to a boil and then add the thyme. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain and remove the thyme.

For the Drink:
4 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries with 2-4 cups of water to blend
8-10 cups of water

Puree the fruit and water in batches and then strain to remove any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and you’ll want to get as much solids out of the liquid. Add the simple syrup to the strained liquid and then dilute with 8 to 10 cups of water. At this point you can adjust the sugar and water levels to your liking. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy immediately.